For most people, acne tends to go away by the time they reach their thirties, but some people in their forties and fifties continue to have this skin problem.

There are 6 main types of spot caused by acne:

• blackheads – small black or yellowish bumps that develop on the skin; they're not filled with dirt, but are black because the inner lining of the hair follicle produces pigmentation (colouring)

• whiteheads – have a similar appearance to blackheads, but may be firmer and won't empty when squeezed

• papules – small red bumps that may feel tender or sore

• pustules – similar to papules, but have a white tip in the centre, caused by a build-up of pus

• nodules – large hard lumps that build up beneath the surface of the skin and can be painful

• cysts – the most severe type of spot caused by acne, they're large pus-filled lumps that look similar to boils and carry the greatest risk of causing permanent scarring

Acne Causes

A range of factors triggers acne, but the main cause is thought to be a rise in androgen levels. Genetic factors may increase the risk.

Other causes include

• some medications that contain androgen and lithium

• greasy cosmetics

• hormonal changes

• emotional stress

• menstruation

At Minty Pearls we recommend a variety of different treatment which benefit patients suffering from acne.